Dixon Edward Hoste, China Inland Mission, and the indigenous Chinese church in early 20th century China

Abstract

The China Inland Mission (CIM), founded by Hudson Taylor (1832-1905), has been one of the most researched topics by historians and scholars on the history of Christian missions in modern China. Previous research primarily focused on Taylor and his leadership during the early decades of the CIM, examining his key role in leading the organization to great success.

After Taylor fell ill, Dixon Edward Hoste (1861-1946), a CIM missionary, was unexpectedly chosen to succeed him in 1900 during the Boxer Uprising. Hoste’s work made significant impact on the development of the CIM over the first half of the twentieth century. However, his achievements have long been overshadowed by his predecessor, and there is a lack of substantial analysis regarding the importance of Hoste’s leadership in the post-Taylor period. Using a variety of historical sources, including the CIM China Council Minutes (1897-1947) and other newly discovered archives, this research presents a whole picture of Hoste’s life and mission in China, with highlights on his leading work and the long-term impact on the CIM and the indigenous Chinese Church.

Taking a historical approach, the thesis examines in detail every critical moment in Hoste’s life and work in China. One significant factor, which has been largely neglected in previous research, is Hoste’s ten-year close relationship with Pastor Hsi, a strong-character leader of the Chinese Church in Shanxi. The fieldwork and experience helped Hoste develop the character he would need to lead the CIM, especially when confronted with severe crises such as the Boxer Uprising and the anti-Christian Movement.

One should also note that Hoste not only had a determined mind, but he could also see beyond the crises and bring significant changes to the way the CIM related to the Chinese Church. The Statement of Policy in 1928 and the Forward Movement in 1929 that Hoste introduced emphasized that the CIM should not work alone but should always serve in cooperation with the Chinese Church, resulting in the latter’s significant growth despite the social turbulences in the early Republican period. Though he still held onto a conservative theological and doctrinal standard, Hoste was hugely committed to developing indigenous Chinese churches over his thirty-five years as the leader of the CIM.

Moreover, in the post-Hoste era of the CIM, his legacy was still visible. The indigenous principles he fostered continued to impact the CIM and the Chinese Church, which unexpectedly paved the way for the politically motivated Three-Self Movement under the communist regime.

This research fills the gap in past scholarship on CIM leadership after Taylor. The findings demonstrate that Hoste was a leader of change, repositioning the CIM to offer spiritual guidance and let go of control over the Chinese Church in the new era. His faithful friendship with the Chinese Church and continuous support went a step further than what his predecessors and contemporaries had done. The committed work of Hoste therefore should be duly recognized as an integral part of the indigenous movement of modern Chinese Christianity.